The worries don’t immediately end for a home buyer once you’re moved in. Unexpected home repairs can be a hassle to fix and a real pinch on the purse strings. While you may rely on your insurance to cover you, issues that can be addressed through early detection could fall under the cracks of your homeowners’ insurance coverage. But it doesn’t have to be that hard. Home repairs around these main areas of the house can be easily prevented with a little maintenance.
- Foundation
All good things start with a solid base, especially with your house. It is natural that over the years, soil moisture and weather conditions can form cracks in the home foundation. These can open the doorways for further water damage and even insect infestation. The first step is making sure the ground near the foundation slopes slightly away from the house to avoid water pooling around the house. Then, brush up on the basic ways to identify foundation problems — including doors and windows that won’t close completely or damp areas in the basement.
- Roof
Image from Flickr by Etolane
Having a roof over your head only goes so far if there’s a leak. A loose shingle or leak in your roof can quickly turn into a bigger problem that can cost several hundred dollars to repair. Checking your roof at least twice a year for problems allows you to find and fix smaller issues before they get worse. Look out for any sort of water damage — including moss and mold — cracks in the flashing, and loose and missing shingles in particular.
- Sewers
Clogged sewers can be a smelly business to fix. In areas with lots of tree coverage or particular types of plants, sewer line blockage can be easily caused by leaves, branches, and sticks. It’s best to call your local plumber who will be able to run a camera through the pipes to check for problems. While it may cost you a hundred to call in the professionals, it’s a worthy investment that will save you thousands in the long run.
- HVAC
Damage to your HVAC system can leave you out in the cold. Changing out your air filter every 30 to 90 days is a straightforward measure to prevent further damage. But many systems are integrated and complex, meaning that when any further problems arise, things can quickly deteriorate. That’s why your system can benefit from an HVAC inspection once a year. An experienced technician can ensure the heart of the system is ticking along as it should.
- Termites
The thought of termites in the home would be enough to make anyone’s skin crawl. Fumigation to get rid of an extensive infestation can be costly, and that’s not even counting the repairs needed for structural damage. Looking out for termite damage signs through regular spot checks can easily mitigate a larger problem. The most common signs include buckling wood, swollen floors and ceilings, residues of the termites (including poop), and visible mazes in the wall.
Whether you’ve lived in your home for years or just moved somewhere new, following these tips can help you avoid unexpected home repairs.
